Franklin G. Spencer

Franklin G. Spencer, 71, Jefferson City, Missouri, formerly of Whitehouse, Texas, passed away Monday, December 17, 2012, in Jefferson City, Mo. Mr. Spencer died Monday, December 17, 2012, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was born April 18, 1941, in Arp, Texas, to the late Herman G. and Alma Lorena Estes Spencer. He was a resident of Tyler and Whitehouse prior to moving to Jefferson City, Missouri in 1984. Mr. Spencer worked as a brakeman and conductor for Cotton Belt Railroad, and later as an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad when he retired in 2004, after 42 years of service. During his retirement, he filled his time with camping trips and watching his favorite teams: Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns and St. Louis Cardinals. While living in the Tyler area, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wright City where he faithfully served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a deacon and treasurer. He enjoyed serving as chaperone for many summer church camp trips. After his move to Jefferson City, Missouri, he attended Concord Baptist Church. Mr. Spencer married Marla Kay Chapman, December 16, 1961, in Tyler. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Marla Kay Spencer, Jefferson City, Missouri; daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Dennis Brixey, Branson, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law, Franklin G. (Chip) and Jill Spencer Jr., Carthage, Mo.; daughter and son-in-law, Lana Kay and Bernie Watson, Jefferson City, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law, Steve L. and Samantha Spencer, Jefferson City, Mo.; one sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Greg Phelps, Longview; one brother, Ron Spencer; 12 grandchildren, Evan Brixey, Ryan Brixey, Nathan Brixey, Jacob Spencer, Jordan Spencer, Sarah Spencer, Briana Watson, Grant Watson, Britni Spencer, Kaylyn Spencer, Alison Spencer, and Aubrey Spencer; two step-grandchildren, Hannah and Stephen Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lorena Spencer, and by two brothers, Marvin and Wayne. Services were held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Wright City, with Reverend Richard G. Boone and Reverend Rohn Boone officiating. Burial was in the Mason Cemetery, Arp, Texas under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home, Overton, Texas. Pallbearers included his sons, Chip Spencer and Steve Spencer, and sons-in-law Dennis Brixey and Bernie Watson, in addition to Tim Lowdermilk, Joe Rouvaldt, Jim Parker, and Curtis Gilbert. Honorary Pallbearers were the grandsons.